Motorhome insurance quote

In theory, obtaining a motorhome insurance quote couldn’t be easier. Surely you just have to ring around a bit, get some quotes and then compare them?

Well, it is one approach but it may not give you quite the result you were hoping for.

Firstly, ‘ringing around’ isn’t always quite as easy as it sounds – and it may not be desperately cheap. Secondly it’s not easy to be sure that the person you’re calling really knows the specialist implications that arise with motorhome insurance.

What are these implications?

Motorhomes – a specialist insurance marketplace

If you’ve ever called around randomly trying to find such cover, you may have experienced at times the confusion and unease that can arise at the other end of the phone because:

• some makes of vehicle are very expensive, very attractive to thieves and as a result, they can be difficult in terms of finding cover;
• your motorhome may have extensive and expensive contents and fittings – some insurance companies may not be comfortable with this;
• to achieve reductions in premium costs you may need to fit specialised and approved security equipment – this area is not always easy to understand without specialist knowledge.

Some insurers may not cover motorhomes at all and others may provide you with a very high motorhome insurance quote primarily because it is not an area they understand well.

Motorhome insurance – using specialists

If you use a specialist caravan and motorhome insurance website you may find that you are better positioned to be able to understand your requirements by viewing the articles and information on their website.

As an example, a specialist caravan insurance website typically will be able to provide information on things such as how to reduce your risks and costs by:

• fitting approved security devices including tracking;
• removing your awning when you’re away from the vehicle as typically it will not be covered if damaged by a storm when you’re not there;
• avoiding having contents in the vehicle when unattended that typically won’t be covered (cash, jewellery etc);
• joining an owners’ association.

So, dealing with a specialist when seeking a motorhome insurance quote isn’t mandatory, but it just may be a good idea!

E&L caravan insurance

Caravans are different and the insurance you need if you have a static caravan covers a different set of risks to that needed with a tourer. This is why taking a look at E&L caravan insurance may be a good idea.

Touring caravans spend more time on the road with the greater potential of being in an accident than a static model. Statics though, may be left unattended for longer periods of time in more remote locations and therefore be at higher risk of break-ins, theft and damage as a result of burst pipes and flooding etc.

While general insurance providers can and do offer policies for caravan owners, some people prefer to use a specialist who understands these differences and all the others.

E&L caravan insurance providers may offer discounts if you can show that you are doing what you can to help reduce risks.

Taking precautions

Reducing risks may include:

• fitting approved security alarms you can help protect the contents of your caravan. Removing expensive items from your caravan when it is not in use is typically just common sense;
• fitting wheelclamps and hitchlocks to your touring caravan can help prevent its theft. Indeed some insurers may insist on these in the terms and conditions of their policies;
• there are a number of specially licensed secure sites where you can store your caravan when it is not in use. Draining down water and heating systems is typically also a good safety measure;
• making sure that external fittings such as awnings are safely stowed when you are not around may be essential under the terms of your policy.

Committed caravanner

Being a member of a recognised caravanning club is regarded by many caravan insurance insurance providers as a sign of a serious and careful caravan owner and may result in discounted premiums.

A specialist caravan insurance provider can typically give you access to specialist caravan insurance cover including E&L caravan insurance. Once covered, all you have to do is go out there and enjoy using your caravan!

Motorhomes insurance

If you’re the owner of a motorhome then you probably appreciate that it’s a precious and typically fairly expensive thing. Understanding your motorhomes insurance may therefore make common sense.

What are the typical characteristics of such insurance?

Contents protection

Your motorhome will be lived in as part of your holidays but you can’t spend 24 hours per day in it watching your possessions. It may therefore be advisable to look closely at the details of your motor caravan insurance contents cover.

Some providers may issue premium discounts for alarms etc. Typically, some policies will place constraints on certain articles being covered such as not covering cash, chequebooks, credit cards, electronics, and jewellery and antique possessions left in the vehicle while it is unoccupied.

Some others may also place constraints upon where the vehicle can be left whilst unattended, such as supervised sites, if the cover is not to be invalidated. Some forms of door and window security systems and possibly alarms may be obligatory in some cases or in others, essential to obtain premium reductions.

Vehicle protection

You may not be the only person that thinks your motorhome is great and given half the chance, some of those other people will do their best to acquire it illegally. Some makes are particularly prime targets and they may attract higher motorhomes insurance premiums as a result (or be difficult to insure).

Typically your insurance should cover things such as theft and vandalism or loss through accident. You may be able to reduce the costs through some common-sense steps such as:

• reducing the number of days you plan to use it and/or use it overseas;
• fitting tracking devices and other approved security systems;
• reducing your overall target mileage;
• joining an approved caravanning organisation.

All these steps may help keep your bills down.

Specialist advice

Motorhomes insurance is a specialist market. To ensure that you have appropriate protection and at an affordable cost, it may be advisable to use a specialist motorhomes insurance provider who can give you access to a number of potentially suitable motor home insurance deals.

Your caravan insurance caravan protection

Your caravan insurance caravan protection is there to cover a wide range of events that you as a caravan owner may be faced with. There are policies available aimed with the static caravan owner in mind and for the touring caravan owner. Some of the benefits are the same whilst others are aimed at protection for different areas based on the type of caravan.

Protection for your touring caravan
In the typical caravan insurance policy for your touring caravan, you may find the following benefits:

• third party liability to protect against you damaging a third persons property or vehicle whilst pulling your touring caravan behind your vehicle;
• protection for travelling around Europe with your touring caravan;
• breakdown cover;
• so much towards a stay in alternative accommodation in the event your caravan is damaged by a covered risk;
• cover against the theft of your caravan while it is hitched to your vehicle;
• protection for the contents of your caravan and any personal belongings in the form of new for old replacements;
• new for old cover for your touring caravan in the event it is stolen or destroyed.

Your insurance policy typically protects against any of the above. However, it is essential that you check in the wording before you take out the cover as the benefits may differ with providers and so some of these elements may not be covered.

Protection for your static caravan

• liability insurance in case a holidaymaker were to become injured or even died while staying in your caravan and the fault was yours;
• loss of rental income in the event a holiday maker who had pre-booked was unable to stay in your caravan due to the caravan being damaged by an insured risk;
• new for old protection on the contents of your caravan and the caravan itself providing it fell within the criteria set out by the provider;
• protection against theft;
• accidental damage;
• all year round protection for peace of mind when you are not staying in your caravan.

Your caravan insurance caravan protection is there for your peace of mind so choosing an adequate policy whilst keeping the premiums down is to your advantage.

Finding a caravan insurance Northern Ireland policy

Residents of Northern Ireland may sometimes struggle to find insurance as they are often dismissed by the provider simply due to where they live. If you are looking for a caravan insurance Northern Ireland policy, you may wish to base your search online with a specialist caravan insurance website.

So, what do you need to consider when choosing your caravan cover?

Caravan security and theft
One of the main factors that insurance providers worry about is theft. This may be of your belongings, contents or your caravan itself. Therefore, you may want to consider the security features of your caravan. Your touring caravan is of course at greater risk of being stolen than a static caravan. However, both are at risk when it comes to the contents and your belongings.

Your policy may payout for a brand new caravan if it meets the criteria set out by the insurance provider. Usually this means the caravan is under a certain age.

Do note that the insurance provider usually expects you to have taken security measures such as installing a hitchlock to help prevent theft when your caravan is hitched to your vehicle. They may also require you to use a hitchlock and a wheel clamp when it is detached from your car.

New for old protection
Contents may be insured on a new for old basis and this typically means that if you are the victim of theft and have met the criteria set out by the provider, they value the stolen items as brand new and this is the amount you may get back, less any policy excess of course. However always check in the summary of the policy to find out what exclusions and limitations may apply.

Protection against liability claims
When looking for a caravan insurance Northern Ireland policy, if you rent out your caravan to others, check what liability insurance is included within the cover. Liability protection is there in case a third party such as a holidaymaker suffered an accident or even death while staying in your caravan. Providers typically offer up to so much liability insurance which may help pay towards any legal costs or compensation claims.

Comparing insurance for static caravans

Comparing insurance for static caravans is equally as important as ensuring that you get the cheapest premiums. Were you to take out a policy solely based on the cost, you may regret it if a claim had to be made and you found the policy gave inadequate protection.

The needs of the static caravan owner may differ and so may the benefits needed. For instance if you choose to let others stay in your caravan then you need to ensure that your policy provides adequate liability cover.

Why is liability protection so essential?

• A holidaymaker slips and falls on broken steps and sues you for breaking their leg;
• The fencing around your decked area needs repair and someone leans on it, it breaks, they fall and hurt their back and sue you;
• Your aerial is not secure and falls onto a holidaymaker’s car and they sue you for damages.

Any of the above events may mean you have to pay legal costs and costs for compensation. Liability insurance typically pays out towards these types of costs, which may add up to thousands of pounds.

Protection against a loss of pre-rental income
If you rely on the income from renting out your caravan then you may wish to check whether your provider includes a loss of pre-rental income in your policy. This works if a holidaymaker pre-books your caravan for a holiday and then for some reason your caravan is damaged by an insured risk (such as fire, flood or other damage) and they cannot stay in it. Without cover for the loss of rental income, you may lose a great deal of money. If it is covered, you may claim towards your loss.

New for old cover
When comparing insurance for static caravans you might wish to check if the provider offers new for old. New for old is typically there to replace the contents or belongings in the caravan if they are destroyed or stolen. If this happens, you are provided with brand new replacements. However, some insurance providers also offer new for old on the caravan itself. However there is certain criterion that has to be met, for instance your caravan has to be under a certain age, so check with the provider.

Choosing the best caravan insurance for your needs

When choosing the best caravan insurance for your needs, many different factors have to be taken into account. One of these of course is the cost of the cover. You also have to be sure that you are taking out a policy that is suited to your caravan needs. For instance, if you have a touring caravan you need tourer insurance, and if it is a static caravan, then static insurance.

Caravan insurance varies in cost and when considering buying a caravan you may want to give some thought to the insurance for it. For instance, if you buy one of the German models of caravan you may find it harder to get insurance than you might if you buy UK model. You may also pay higher insurance premiums as some of these models pose a high risk of being stolen.

If you have a static caravan then you may want to check with the provider to find out if your insurance covers the exterior of your caravan. For example, if you have a patio, decking and fencing around your caravan these all add up in value, and if you lose them along with your caravan and they were not covered you lose out.

You might want to ensure the policy includes a loss of rental fees if you rent out your static caravan, if you are unable to rent it out if it becomes damaged due to an insured risk.

A touring caravan is at risk of thieves when you are out on the roads travelling to your destination. If you stop for a break, your caravan may be unhitched from your vehicle if you do not have preventative measures. If you install a hitchlock, this typically stops thieves from unhitching your caravan and taking it away. Security devices such as this may help to keep down the premiums of the insurance.

When choosing the best caravan insurance for your needs, and you wish to tour around Europe, find out if European cover is included in your policy. Providers typically allow you so many days coverage out of the year. Some may offer more than others so compare this.

How to keep down your static caravan insurance quotes

One of the first things that you probably notice when looking for and comparing static caravan insurance quotes is the premiums differ between insurance providers. While in some cases this may be due to competitiveness of the insurance provider it may also be due to the fact of what you get for your money. For instance you may get more benefits for your money with one provider that what another offers. Therefore, it is important that you ensure you are comparing like-for-like cover.

Discounts on your insurance
When looking for quotes providers may offer discounts on your insurance if you have taken certain considerations into mind before applying for your cover. Here are some of the ways you may be able might help to keep the cost down on your monthly premiums.

A touring caravan is typically more at risk of being stolen than a static caravan. If your choice of caravan is a touring one, you may wish to consider installing a tracking device into the caravan. In the event that it is stolen, there is typically a better chance of the caravan being recovered and returned to you.

You might also wish to consider attaching a hitchlock on your caravan. This typically deters thieves from unhitching your caravan from your vehicle and attaching to theirs.

There are such as tagging schemes, caravan registration, for example and if you have a tag installed in your caravan and your caravan is recovered, the tag may help the caravan’s owners be located.

Corner steady locks are another security device that you may wish to attach to the rear end of the caravan. This may stop the front of the caravan from being raised and attached to the vehicle of a potential thief.

If you have a static caravan, you may be able to keep down your static caravan insurance quotes if you install a Thatcham approved alarm on your caravan. You may also wish to consider security lighting around your static caravan.

Tourer caravan insurance for security on the road and off

If you own a touring caravan then you need to look for tourer caravan insurance to ensure that you have security and peace of mind on and off the road. At the very least, you need to have liability insurance for protection in the event that you caused an accident and a third party were to sue you. Liability insurance typically pays towards up to so much of the cost of a legal claim.

Your touring caravan insurance policy typically covers the contents of your caravan, which may include your personal belongings. When taking a policy you may want to consider the following.

• whether the provider offers new for old or takes depreciation into account;
• whether new for old cover includes the actual caravan itself;
• find out if equipment such as Sat-Nav, mobile phones and personal DVD players are included;
• find out what limits and exclusions there are to contents insurance.

If the provider offers you new for old on your insurance policy, any items that are stolen from the caravan, destroyed or damaged are typically replaced as brand new. This may work out dearer in premiums each month but if your caravan and belongings are new, you may want to pay that little extra more. If you have an older model and only take the essentials with you, then you may want to go for cover that considers depreciation.

When taking out caravan insurance you may want to check if breakdown insurance is included in the policy. Some providers may include basic cover whilst others may ask that you pay to add it into the policy.

If you travel around Europe, you need European insurance included in your tourer caravan insurance policy. This typically means you do not have to apply for insurance at each of the countries you visit. Generally, insurance providers include so many days’ protection. If anything happened to your touring caravan and you were unable to continue on your travels while it was being repaired the policy typically pays towards alternative accommodation. Again, this is generally up to a certain amount per day for up a set period.

Benefits to check for in caravan insurance online

There can be benefits to taking out your caravan insurance online rather than going with one of the providers on the high street. The first of these is that of course you are able to take your time and compare the policy features and benefits as well as check out how much the costs are for insurance. You can also benefit from accessing a wider choice of cover, as well as maybe taking advantage of online discounts too!
Once you are online, what should you think about? Quotes for insurance may vary considerably between providers and if you are lucky, you may be able to get a suitable policy with more benefits for the same cost as a policy which is offering fewer benefits. To help find a suitable deal, here are some of the features you may want to check are included in your caravan insurance policy:

• Brand new replacement caravan – Having a policy that provides you with a brand new replacement for your caravan in the event that it is written off or stolen may be essential to you if you have a brand new model. Usually the insurance pays to replace your caravan if it is under a certain age at the time of it it being destroyed or stolen. When deciding how much to insure your caravan for also take such as steps and awnings into account along with any security devices you may have installed on your caravan – insurers may offer a discount if you have the latter.
• Low excess – All caravan insurance protection comes with a certain amount of excess you have to find out of your own pocket in a lump sum in the event of a claim. Some insurance providers may ask for a higher excess than others may so you may want to compare how much the provider asks for when applying for insurance.
• Awnings – Awnings may cost a considerable amount of money to replace if they become damaged or destroyed. They are generally covered in the insurance policy; however, they may not be covered against damage due to storm.
• Patios – If you have a patio, decking and/or fencing around your static caravan you may want to check if these are covered in with your static insurance. The exterior of your caravan is often usually covered for damage due to storm and vandalism, aerials are protected, and some providers extend cover to patios whereas others may not.
• Check the small print – Taking out your caravan insurance online gives you plenty of time to check the small print and summary of any policy you are considering. It is within the small print that you are able to find limitations and exclusions on how much provider’s payout for such as awnings and gas bottles.